Disk drive aperture channel

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein relate to a disk drive coupler for reducing particulates in a disk drive. In some embodiments, the disk drive includes a first component having a top surface and a bottom surface, the first component defining an aperture with an interior surface between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a channel on at least one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the interior surface. In some embodiments, the disk drive coupler includes a fastener configured to be received within the aperture and is configured to secure the first component to a second component. The channel is configured to permit the drawing of air from at least one of the aperture, the top surface, and the bottom surface of the first component before and after the fastener secures the first component to the second component.

BACKGROUND

Hard disk drives, (HDD) are often used in electronic devices, such ascomputers, to record data onto or to reproduce data from a recordingmedia, which can be a disk having one or more recording surfaces. TheHDD also includes a head for reading the data on a recording surface ofthe disk and for writing data unto one of the surfaces. An actuator isprovided for moving the head over a desired location, or track of thedisk.

The HDD includes a spindle motor for rotating the disk during operation.When the disk drive is operated, and the actuator moves the head overthe disk, the head is floated a predetermined height above the recordingsurface of the disk while the disk is rotated, and the head detectsand/or modifies the recording surface of the disk to retrieve, record,and/or reproduce data from and/or onto the disk.

When the HDD is not in operation, or when the disk is not rotating, thehead can be rotated by the actuator to a position such that the head isnot over the disk or the recording surfaces. In this non-operationalconfiguration, the head is “parked off” of the recording surface of thedisk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements the various features of thedisclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrateembodiments of the disclosure and not to limit the scope of thedisclosure. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are reused toindicate correspondence between referenced elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a disk drive in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a disk drive in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a disk drive component with an aperturehaving embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a disk drive component with anaperture having embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a disk drive component with an aperturehaving embodiments of the present disclosure in position to be coupledto a second component.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a disk drive component with an aperturehaving embodiments of the present disclosure with a fastener extendingthrough the aperture to couple the component to a second component.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a disk drivecomponent with an aperture having embodiments of the present disclosureand a fastener extending through the aperture to couple the component toa second component.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a disk drive componentwith an aperture having embodiments of the present disclosure and afastener extending through the aperture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a disk drive componentwith an aperture having embodiments of the present disclosure and afastener extending through the aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exploded perspective viewof a disk drive 10 according to embodiments described herein. The diskdrive 10 includes a head disk assembly (HDA) and a printed circuit boardassembly (PCBA). The head disk assembly includes a disk drive housinghaving disk drive housing members, such as a disk drive base 12 and acover 14. The disk drive base 12 and the cover 14 collectively house atleast one disk 16. A single disk or additional disks may be included inthe disk drive.

The disk 16 includes an inner diameter (ID) 18 and an outer diameter(OD) 20. The disk 16 further includes a plurality of tracks on itsrecording surface, or face, for storing data. The disk 16 may be of amagnetic recording type of storage device, however, other arrangements(e.g., optical recording) may be utilized. The head disk assemblyfurther includes a spindle motor 22 for rotating the disk 16 about adisk rotation axis 24. The head disk assembly further includes a headstack assembly 26 rotatably attached to the disk drive base 12 inoperable communication with the disk 16. The head stack assembly 26includes an actuator 28.

The actuator 28 includes an actuator body and at least one actuator arm32 that extends from the actuator body. Some embodiments includemultiple arms 32. Distally attached to the actuator arms 32 aresuspension assemblies 34. The suspension assemblies 34 respectivelysupport heads 36. The suspension assemblies 34 with the heads 36 arereferred to as head gimbal assemblies. The number of actuator arms andsuspension assemblies may vary depending upon the number of disks anddisk surfaces utilized.

The head 36 can include a transducer for writing and reading data. Thetransducer can include a writer and a read element. In magneticrecording applications, the transducer's writer may be of a longitudinalor perpendicular design, and the read element of the transducer may beinductive or magnetoresistive.

In optical and magneto-optical recording applications, the head may alsoinclude an objective lens and an active or passive mechanism forcontrolling the separation of the objective lens from a disk surface ofthe disk 16. The disk 16 includes opposing disk surfaces. In magneticrecording applications the disk surface typically includes one or moremagnetic layers. Data may be recorded along data annular regions on asingle disk surface or both.

The head stack assembly 26 may be pivoted such that each head 36 isdisposed adjacent to the various data annular regions from adjacent tothe outer diameter 20 to the inner diameter 18 of the disk 16. In FIG.1, the actuator body includes a bore, and the actuator 28 furtherincludes a pivot bearing cartridge 38 engaged within the bore forfacilitating the actuator body to rotate between limited positions aboutan axis of rotation 40.

The actuator 28 can further include a coil support element 42 thatextends from one side of the actuator body opposite the actuator arms32. The coil support element 42 is configured to support a coil 44. AVCM magnet 46 may be supported by the disk drive base 12. Posts may beprovided to position the VCM magnet 46 in a desired alignment againstthe disk drive base 12. A VCM top plate 48 may be attached to anunderside of the cover 14. The coil 44 is positioned, in someembodiments, between the VCM magnet 46 and the VCM top plate 48 to forma voice coil motor for controllably rotating the actuator 28.

The head stack assembly 26 can further include a flex cable assembly 50and a cable connector 52. The cable connector 52 can be attached to thedisk drive base 12 and is disposed in electrical communication with theprinted circuit board assembly. The flex cable assembly 50 suppliescurrent to the coil 44 and carries signals between the heads 36 and theprinted circuit board assembly.

With this configuration, current passing through the coil 44 results ina torque being applied to the actuator 28. The actuator 28 includes anactuator longitudinal axis 64 which extends generally along the actuatorarms 32. A change in direction of the current through the coil 44results in a change in direction of the torque applied to the actuator28, and consequently, the longitudinal axis 64 of the actuator arms 32is rotated about the axis of rotation 40. It is contemplated that othermagnet, VCM plate, coil and magnet support configurations may beutilized, such as a multiple coil arrangements, single or double VCMplates and a vertical coil arrangement.

The disk drive 10 can also include a latch 54. The latch 54 can includea coupling portion 56 that is coupled to the disk drive base 12. Thelatch 54 further includes a latching portion 58 (FIG. 2) that, with thecoupling portion 56, is configured to limit rotational movement of theactuator 28. Although the latch 54 is depicted as being located in acorner of the base, the latch 54 could be located in other portions ofthe disk drive, as shown in other embodiments described herein, andstill perform its functions. Further embodiments and description of thelatch 54 will be provided herein.

When the actuator 28 is rotated into the parked position, as illustratedin FIG. 1, the actuator 28 can include a contact member 76, which can belocated on the coil support element 42 or elsewhere, that is configuredto engage a crash stop 80 in order to limit rotation of the actuator 28away from the disk 16. The crash stop 80 can be an integral part of thebase 12, or the crash stop 80 can be connected to the base 12 via afixation element 72. FIG. 1 depicts an axis of engagement 66 of thecontact member 76 and the crash stop 80 as being in line with thefixation element 72, but other constructions are also permissible. Acrash stop 80 can also be provided to limit movement of the actuator 28toward the ID 18 of the disk 16.

Data is recorded onto a surface of the disk in a pattern of concentricrings known as data tracks. The disk surface is spun at high speed bymeans of a motor-hub assembly. Data tracks are recorded onto disksurface by means of the head 36, which typically resides at the end ofthe actuator arm 32. One skilled in the art understands that what isdescribed for one head-disk combination applies to multiple head-diskcombinations.

The dynamic performance of the HDD is a major mechanical factor forachieving higher data capacity as well as for manipulating the datafaster. The quantity of data tracks recorded on the disk surface isdetermined partly by how well the head 36 and a desired data track canbe positioned relative to each other and made to follow each other in astable and controlled manner. There are many factors that can influencethe ability of HDD to perform the function of positioning the head 36and following the data track with the head 36. In general, these factorscan be put into two categories; those factors that influence the motionof the head 36; and those factors that influence the motion of the datatrack. Undesirable motions can come about through unwanted vibration andundesirable tolerances of components.

During development of the HDD, the disk 16 and head 36 have undergonereductions in size. Much of the refinement and reduction has beenmotivated by consumer request and demand for more compact and portablehard drives 10. For example, the original hard disk drive had a diskdiameter many times larger than those being developed and contemplated.

Smaller drives often have small components with relatively very narrowtolerances. For example, disk drive heads 36 are designed to bepositioned in very close proximity to the disk surface. Due to the tighttolerances, vibration activity of the actuator arm 32 relative to thedisk 16 can adversely affect the performance of the HDD. For example,vibration of the actuator 28 can result in variations in the spacingbetween the head element and media. Additionally, irregular movement ofthe disk 16, or vibrations caused by unbalanced rotations, can result invariations in the spacing between the head element and the disk 16, ormedia.

In addition, as disk drive tracks per inch (TPI) increases, sensitivityto small vibrations also increases. Small vibrations can causesignificant off-track and degraded performances. For example, in manycases, variations in the spacing between the head element and media canincrease the off-track complications, and the increase in TPI compoundsthe complications and likely gives rise to data errors. These dataerrors can include both hard errors during writing and soft errorsduring reading. Moreover, vibration-induced errors become even moreapparent as the actual offset distances and overall components arereduced in size.

Each disk 16 is mounted on a rotatable hub 98 connected to the spindlemotor 22 and is secured to the rotatable hub by a disk clamp 100, asillustrated in FIG. 2. Some disk drives 10 include a plurality of disks16 to provide additional disk surface for storing greater amounts ofdata. The resulting combination is referred to herein as a motor/diskassembly or as a disk pack 102.

Multiple data storage disks 16 can be mounted on the rotatable hub 98 invertically and substantially equally spaced relations. One or morebearings 104 are disposed between a motor or spindle shaft 106 and therotatable hub 98, which is disposed about and rotatable relative to thespindle shaft 106. Electromagnetic forces are used to rotate the hub 98about the stationary shaft 106 at a desired velocity. Rotationalmovement of the hub 98 is translated to each of the disks 16 of the diskpack 102, causing the disks 16 to rotate with the hub 98 about the shaft106.

The disks 16 are rotated about the shaft 106 at a high rate of speed,and consumer demand for quicker data retrieval can result in increasedrotational speed of the hub 98 and the disks 16 to provide reduced timein accessing data. Even minor imbalances of the rotating motor/diskassembly 102 can generate significant forces that can adversely affectthe ability to accurately position the head 36 relative to the desiredtrack of the corresponding disk 16 while reading from or writing to thedisk 16. Excessive imbalance can degrade the disk drive performance notonly in terms of read/write errors, but also in terms of seek times.Excessive imbalance may result in an undesirable acoustic signature andmay even result in damage or excessive wear to various disk drivecomponents, particularly if the actuator 28 is permitted to operate andtravel over the imbalanced disk 16 surfaces or during non-operationalperiods.

The inner diameter 18 of each disk 16 is slightly larger in diameterthan an outer periphery of the spindle motor hub, or rotatable hub 98,in order to allow the disks 16 to slip about the spindle motor hub 98during installation. During assembly, the disks 16 may be positioned inan inexact concentric manner about the spindle motor hub 98. In fact, insome instances, the disks 16 may be intentionally biased against thespindle motor hub 98. This inexact concentric relationship between thedisk 16 and the motor hub 98 results in the disk pack 102 becomingimbalanced. This imbalance can be manifest in at least two respects.

First, the rotating mass of each disk 16 results in a centrifugal forceradially extending in a direction from the axis of rotation 24 in aplane orthogonal to the axis of rotation 24. This can be referred to asa single plane or “static” imbalance. Second, the same centrifugal forcealso results in a moment about an axis, extending from the axis ofrotation 24, as a result of the coupling of two different planes ofimbalance, each of which are orthogonal to the axis of rotation 24. Thiscan referred to as a dual plane, two plane, or “dynamic” imbalance.

Balancing of the disk pack 102 is preferably conducted, for example, bythe manufacturer or during an assembly process, prior to shipping thedrive 10 to the consumer. Single plane balancing of the disk pack 102can include attaching one or more weights to one side of the disk pack102. Not all imbalances may be alleviated to the desired degree bybalancing within a single plane. Dual plane balancing of the disk pack102 can be achieved by attaching one or more weights at two differentelevations along the axis 24 corresponding with vertically spacedreference planes in an attempt to improve upon the potentialinadequacies of a single plane balance.

Balancing the disk pack 102 can be accomplished by attaching one or moreweights to a central portion of the disk pack 102. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 2, the disk pack 102 can have a portion that holdsthe one or more weights or to which the one or more weights attach. FIG.2 illustrates a disk pack 102 having a rotatable hub 98 that includes adisk clamp 100 having a plurality of disk clamp apertures 110 positionedcircumferentially about a central portion of the disk pack 102.

Another source of vibrations during disk operation is disk deformationsand irregularities that are caused when non-operational shock subjectsthe disk 16 to very high inertial forces. When a disk 16 is subjected tosuch non-operational shocks, the disk can experience crack initiation,material yielding, and development of uneven surfaces. These changes indisk structure and profile can result in reduced disk performancebecause of damage to the recording surfaces of the media or because ofvibrations caused by the disk deformations and irregularities.

When the disk 16 is subjected to high inertial forces, such as thoseexperienced during a non-operational shock event, the disk 16 candeflect excessively and, in some instances, may contact the base 12.This contact can cause media damage, especially at the outer diameter 20of the disk 16, and can reduce the ability of the heads 36 to readand/or write to the location of the disk 16 that has been damaged.

Additionally, if the actuator 28 is permitted to rotate during anon-operational period, there is a risk that the drive 10 may experiencein non-operational shock that causes the heads 36 or other portions ofthe actuator 28 to contact the disks 16 and damage the recording surfaceof the disk 16 or the actuator 28 itself. Such contact can result inincreased operational vibrations and actual damage to operationalcomponents of the drive 10. Accordingly, the latch 54 of the drive 10preferably restricts movement of the actuator 28 when the drive 10 is ina non-operational mode.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the latch 54, including a latchingportion 58 that engages the actuator 28 during non-operational modes ofthe disk drive 10. A latching portion 58 includes a latch engagementmember 120 that contacts an actuator engagement member 122 duringnon-operational modes. As will be explained further below, when thedrive 10 changes from a non-operational mode to an operational mode, thelatch 54 rotates such that the latch engagement member 120 no longerblocks or contacts the actuator engagement member 122, therebypermitting rotational movement of the actuator 28.

Vibrations of the disk drive can also result in the dislodging ordispersion of particulates that are generated during the assemblyprocess. When the disk drive 10 is assembled, fasteners, such as screws,bolts, clamps, and pins, are used to secure portions of the disk drive10 together. When these components make contact, particulates can begenerated from and dispersed in the disk drive 10. These particulatescan be dislodged from their original location or dispersed throughoutthe disk drive 10 by vibrations caused by normal operation or by bothoperational and non-operational shocks.

During operation of the disk drive 10, the actuator arm 32 rotates thedisk drive heads 36 over the surface of the disks 16 at high speeds. Insome embodiments, the heads 36 are positioned within microns of the disksurface. With this tight clearance between the heads 36 and the disksurface, particulates that propagate onto the disk surface can damagethe heads 36 or scratch the surface of the disks 16. This damage cancause complications during operation of the disk drive 10 and can reduceefficiency of the disk drive 10. In some instances, the damage caused bythe particulates can permanently damage the disk drive 10 and can, insome instances, render the disk drive 10 inoperable.

Particulates can be generated during the assembly process by theinsertion of one component into another component or by the sliding orrubbing between components. One process that can be the source ofparticulates includes the fastening of bolts or screws. For example, asa screw is threaded into a threaded bore, the contact between thethreads of the screw and that of the bore can generate particulates.Additionally, if the screw is inserted through an aperture of a firstcomponent and into a threaded bore of a second component, particulatescan be generated during the advancement of the screw through theaperture, during the threading engagement of the screw and threadedbore, and during the tightening and securement of the first componentwith the second component. These particulates can be deposited duringthe assembly process under a head of the fastener, between thecomponents being secured, within the aperture, and within the threadedbore.

For many applications, the particulates that are generated and remainwithin the threaded bore are of less threat when the threaded bore doesnot extend through its component. In such instances, the threaded boreacts to contain the particulates. However, complications can arise withthreaded bores that extend through its component, as the particulatescan fall through the component and into the drive 10.

Particulates formed during the assembly process can be dislodged laterduring shocks or normal vibrations. These particulates can then migratethroughout the drive and can adversely affect operation of the diskdrive 10.

Some embodiments described herein provide apparatus and methods forreducing the amount of particulates that remain within a disk drivefollowing the assembly process. In some embodiments, components that arecoupled together by a fastener extending through an aperture in one ofthe components include a channel along the aperture. The channel canprovide a pathway for drawing air from the aperture and componentsduring and after securing the components together. As the air is drawnthrough the aperture, particulates that are created by the assemblyprocess can be drawn through the channel and removed from the diskdrive.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a component having an aperture withembodiments described herein for providing a channel for removingparticulates from the disk drive. Illustrated in FIG. 3 is a top view ofa VCM plate 152, which can be secured in the disk drive over a portionof the actuator 28. The VCM plate 152 includes an aperture 154 throughwhich a fastener is extended to secure the VCM plate 152 to the diskdrive base 12. Some embodiments provide that the aperture 154 includesat least one channel 156 extending along an inner surface 158 of theaperture 154.

Depicted in FIG. 3 is a VCM plate 152 that includes four channels 156equally spaced about a perimeter of the aperture 154. In someembodiments, when the component includes a plurality of channelsextending along the aperture 154, each of the plurality of channels 156can be positioned equidistant from other channels 156 about the aperture154. In some embodiments, positioning of the channels can be adjusted.For example, in some embodiment, the channels can be positioned inlocations that are not equidistant from other channels 156. This may beadvantageous in situations where it may be known or expected to havecertain particulates gather at a location about the aperture.Additionally, it may be advantageous to have the channels positioned inlocations not equidistant from other channels 156 when structures at ornear the aperture may make it difficult or impractical to have thechannels positioned equidistant about the aperture 154.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the VCM plate 152. Depicted in thefigure is the aperture 154 having a plurality of channels 156 extendingalong the aperture 154. In FIG. 4, the channels are depicted asextending in a straight radial direction from a central axis 160 definedby the aperture 154. The channels 156 are also illustrated as having arounded channel end 162. In some embodiments, the channels 156 canextend in directions that are not normal to the axis 160 or along astraight radial direction from the axis 160. For example, the channels156 can be angulated relative to the axis 160, and the channels 156 canextend along a direction that is transverse to a radial direction of theaxis 160.

FIG. 5 depicts embodiments of the VCM plate 152 in position to becoupled to a threaded bore 166 of the base 12. As is illustrated in thefigure, the threaded bore is aligned with the aperture 154 prior toinserting a fastener. The channels 156 preferably extend beyond theouter perimeter, diameter, or cross-sectional dimension of the threadedbore. In this configuration, as the fastener is received by the aperture154, particulates that are formed by contact between the aperture 154and the fastener can drop to a position either within or around thethreaded bore 166. A vacuum can be drawn through the channels 156 todraw air and the particulates up through the channels 156 and out of thedisk drive 10.

As the fastener is received by the threaded bore 166, particulates maybe formed by the mating threads of the fastener and the bore 166. Theseparticulates will fall either within the bore or about the perimeter ofthe threaded bore 166. Because the channels 156 extend beyond the outerperimeter or cross-sectional dimension of the threaded bore 166, airdrawn through the channels 156 can draw particulates from within theaperture and from between the VCM plate 152 and base 12, and theseparticulates can be removed from the disk drive 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the VCM plate with an aperture 154having embodiments of the channels 156 described herein. The figure alsoillustrates a fastener 170 in place to hold the plate 152 secured to thebase 12. In some embodiments, the channels 156 extend radially beyond anoutermost cross-sectional measurement of the fastener. For example, inthe figure, the channels extend beyond the outermost edge of the head ofthe fastener 170. This configuration increases the pathway of air to bedrawn through the channels 156 during securement of the fastener 170 andprovides access, from the top portion of the plate, to draw air throughthe channels 156 after the fastener 170 has been tightened down. Thisfacilitates removal of particulates located between the VCM plate 152and the base 12, between the inner surface 158 of the aperture 154 andthe fastener 170, and between a head portion of the fastener 170 and theVCM plate 152.

Although the description herein has explained principles of thedisclosure in connection with a VCM plate, some embodiments provide thatthe principles of the disclosure can be applied with other components ofthe disk drive. For example, there are many components that are securedin place within the disk drive by a screw, bolt, pin, or otherfasteners. Embodiments of the channels described herein can be appliedto these other applications.

Some embodiments described herein disclose a disk drive coupler forreducing particulates in a disk drive. In some embodiments, the diskdrive includes a first component having a top surface and a bottomsurface, the first component defining an aperture with an interiorsurface between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the firstcomponent having a channel on at least one of the top surface, thebottom surface, and the interior surface. In some embodiments, the diskdrive coupler includes a fastener configured to be received within theaperture and is configured to secure the first component to a portion ofa disk drive. In some embodiments, the channel of the first component isconfigured to permit the drawing of air to the top surface of the firstcomponent from at least one of the aperture and bottom surface of thefirst component when the fastener secures the first component to theportion of the disk drive.

In some embodiments, the fastener 170 is inserted through the aperture154 of a first component and secured into a threaded bore of a secondcomponent. Following securing of the first component with the secondcomponent by the fastener 170, air can be drawn through the channels 156to remove particulates. In some embodiments, air can be drawn while thetwo components are being secured together. For example, in someembodiments, air can be drawn through the channels 156 while the twocomponents are placed together. Additionally, air can be drawn throughthe channels 156 while the fastener 170 is inserted into the aperture154, and air can be drawn through the channels 156 while the fastener170 is threaded into the threaded bore. Accordingly, the channels 156permit air to be drawn through the channels 156, thereby removingparticulates, before, during, and after securement, or coupling, ofcomponents.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of embodiments of thedisclosure, showing a VCM plate 152 having an aperture 154 extendingtherethrough. A fastener 170, shown extending through the aperture 154,is shown threaded into a threaded bore 166 of the base 12. The plate 152includes a plurality of channels 156 extending along the aperture 154.As explained above, the channels 156 can be used to drawn airtherethrough for removing pariculates deposited around the threadedbore166, within the aperture 154, under a head 172 of the fastener 170,or elsewhere in the assembly of the disk drive 10.

FIG. 8 depicts embodiments of the disclosure having a plurality ofchannels 156 extending along an aperture 154 with a fastener 170extending through the aperture 154. Although FIG. 8 illustrates theembodiments with diametrically opposed channels 156, the channels 156can be positioned at different relative orientations. For example, thechannels 156 can be positioned on opposite sides, as illustrated in FIG.8, and in some embodiments, the channels 156 can be positioned on thesame side. The channel ends 162 preferably extend radially beyond thelargest cross-sectional dimension of the fastener head 172, such thatthe channels 156 are exposed to a top surface of the plate 152.Accordingly, a vacuum can be applied to the top surface of the plate,and air can be drawn through the channels 156 to remove particulatesfrom the disk drive 10.

FIG. 9 depicts embodiments of the present disclosure having threechannels 156 extending through the plate 152 for removing particulates.In some embodiments, as illustrated, the channels 156 can be spacedabout 120 degrees apart. In further embodiments, the channels 156 can bespaced at intervals different that 120 degrees.

FIG. 10 illustrates embodiments of the disclosure in which the channelsare provided as recesses 180 positioned about the aperture 154. In theseembodiments, the recesses 180 can provide a pathway through which aircan be drawn before, during, and after securement with a fastener 170.As depicted in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the recesses 180 extend inradial extent from the aperture to a radial distance beyond the greatestcross-sectional dimension of the fastener 170. Accordingly, when thefastener is secured, the recesses 180 can provide a pathway throughwhich particulates can be removed from the disk drive 10.

The pathways provided by the recesses are preferably sufficient toremove particulates formed during and after the assembly process. Therecesses 180 form a nonlinear pathway for removing the particulates.This configuration is in contrast to other embodiments described herein,which provide pathways that are substantially linear or aresubstantially aligned with, or parallel to, the central axis of theaperture 154. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the recesses 180 form pathways,or channels, that are transverse to, or are in a direction that willintersect with, the central axis of the aperture 154. Although in someembodiments, the recesses 180 may be configured to extend alongdirections that do not directly intersect with the axis of the aperture154, these can be described as extending in a direction that istransverse with the aixs, as it is not parallel with the axis of theaperture 154.

FIG. 10 illustrates the recesses 180 extending along a top surface 182of the component that is secured by the fastener 170. FIG. 11illustrates recesses 180 along a bottom surface 184 of the componentthat is secured by the fastener 170. The recesses 180 along the topsurface can be used in conjunction with or independent of the recesses180 that extend along the bottom surface 184. In some embodiments, therecesses 180 along the top surface 182 and the recesses along the bottomsurface 184 are used together to form multiple pathways through whichparticulates can be removed from the disk drive 10. Although FIGS. 10and 11 depict three recesses on to top surface and three recesses on thebottom surface, in some embodiments, there is one recess 180, and infurther embodiments there are two recesses 180. In some embodimentsthere are more than three recesses 180, and in some embodiments, thenumber of recesses on the top surface is different from the number ofrecesses on the bottom surface. Accordingly, the recesses 180 can format least one nonlinear pathway through the component, or VCM plate insome embodiments described above, through which air can be drawn toremove particulates.

The recesses 180, in some embodiments are stamped during the manufactureof the corresponding components, and in some embodiments, the recessescan be milled or otherwise cut from the component.

Some embodiments herein describe a disk drive that includes a disk drivebase having a coupling portion defining a bore and a VCM plateconfigured to be coupled to the disk drive base. The VCM platepreferably forms an aperture configured to receive a fastener to couplethe VCM plate to the disk drive base via the coupling portion. In someembodiments, the VCM plate includes a channel formed along the aperture,the channel having a cross-sectional dimension greater than that of ahead of the fastener such that air can be drawn through the channel whenthe fastener is received through the aperture and couples the VCM plateto the disk drive base.

In some embodiments, the channel comprises at least one slot extendingalong an inner surface of the aperture, and in some embodiments, theplate comprises a plurality of slots. For example, the channel cancomprise 2, 3, 4, or more slots. Some embodiments provide that thechannel includes at least one slot extending along the aperture in adirection substantially parallel with a central axis of the aperture. Insome embodiments, the channel provides a direct pathway from a topsurface of the plate to a bottom surface of the plate unobstructed bythe fastener head when the fastener couples the plate to the disk drivebase.

In some embodiments, the channel extends in a direction along the platein a direction that is substantially transverse to a central axis of theaperture. For example, in some embodiments, the channel extends along atop surface, opposite the disk drive base, of the plate, and in someembodiments, the channel extends along a bottom surface of the plateadjacent to the coupling portion of the disk drive base.

Some embodiments described herein disclose a disk drive coupler forreducing particulates in a disk drive. In some embodiments, the diskdrive includes a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, theplate defining an aperture with an interior surface between the topsurface and the bottom surface, and the plate having a channel on atleast one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the interiorsurface. In some embodiments, the disk drive includes a fastenerconfigured to be received within the aperture and configured to securethe plate to a portion of a disk drive. In some embodiments, the channelof the plate is configured to permit the drawing of air to the topsurface of the plate from at least one of the aperture and bottomsurface of the plate when the fastener secures the plate to the portionof the disk drive.

In some embodiments, the disk drive coupler includes provides that thechannel includes at least one slot extending along the aperture in adirection substantially parallel with a central axis of the aperture.Some embodiments provide that the channel extends in a direction alongthe plate substantially transverse to a central axis of the aperture. Insome embodiments, the channel is configured to permit the drawing of airto the top surface both during and after the fastener secures the plateto the portion of the disk drive.

The disclosure herein includes a method for reducing particulates withina disk drive, the method including providing a first component of a diskdrive that is to be couple to a second component of the disk drive by afastener, the first component defining an aperture extending through aportion of the first component, the aperture comprising a channel with agreater cross-sectional dimension than a greatest cross-sectiondimension of the fastener. The method can include securing the firstcomponent to the second component by advancing the fastener through theaperture and drawing air from at least one of within the aperture andbetween the first and second components through the channel.

Some methods disclosed herein provide that air is drawn through thechannel after securing the first component to the second component. Somemethods provide that air is drawn through the channel during thesecuring the first component to the second component. Some methodsprovide that air is drawn along a path through the first component in adirection substantially parallel to a central axis of the aperture.

The description of the invention is provided to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein.While the embodiments have been particularly described with reference tothe various figures and disclosure, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the inventions.

There may be many other ways to implement the embodiments. Variousfunctions and elements described herein may be partitioned differentlyfrom those shown without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, many changes andmodifications may be made to embodiments, by one having ordinary skillin the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Theterm “some” refers to one or more. Any headings and subheadings are usedfor convenience only, do not limit the disclosure, and are not referredto in connection with the interpretation of the description of thedisclosure. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements ofthe various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that areknown or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the artare expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to beencompassed by the disclosure. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein isintended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether suchdisclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disk drive comprising: a disk drive base havinga coupling portion defining a bore; and a VCM plate comprising a topsurface and_configured to be coupled to the disk drive base, the VCMplate forming an aperture configured to receive a fastener to couple theVCM plate to the disk drive base via the coupling portion, the VCM platehaving a channel formed along the aperture, the channel having across-sectional dimension greater than that of a head of the fastenersuch that air can be drawn from the top surface immediately adjacent thefastener and through the channel when the fastener is received throughthe aperture and couples the VCM plate to the disk drive base.
 2. Thedisk drive of claim 1, wherein the channel comprises at east one slotextending along an inner surface of the aperture.
 3. The disk drive ofclaim 2, wherein the channel a plurality of slots.
 4. The disk drive ofclaim 3, wherein the channel comprises 3 slots.
 5. The disk drive ofclaim 2, wherein the channel comprises 4 slots.
 6. The disk drive ofclaim 1, wherein the channel comprises at least one slot extending alongthe aperture in a direction that is substantially parallel with acentral axis of the aperture.
 7. The disk drive of claim 1, wherein thechannel provides a pathway from the top surface of the plate to a bottomsurface of the plate unobstructed by the fastener head when the fastenercouples the plate to the disk drive base.
 8. The disk drive of claim 7,wherein the channel extends along the top surface, opposite the diskdrive base, of the plate.
 9. The disk drive of claim 7, wherein thechannel extends along a bottom surface of the plate adjacent to thecoupling portion of the disk drive base.
 10. The disk drive of claim 1,wherein the channel extends in a direction along the plate that issubstantially transverse to a central as of the aperture.
 11. A diskdrive coupler for reducing particulates in a disk drive, the couplercomprising: a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the platedefining an aperture with an interior surface between the top surfaceand the bottom surface, the plate having a channel along at least thetop surface, and the interior surface; and a fastener configured to bereceived within the aperture and configured to secure the plate to aportion of a disk drive; wherein the channel is configured to run fromthe aperture and to radially extend, within the top surface, beyond anoutermost cross-sectional measurement of the fastener so as to permitthe drawing of air to the top surface of the plate from at least theaperture when the fastener secures the plate to the portion of the diskdrive.
 12. The disk drive coupler of claim 11, wherein the channelcomprises at least one slot extending along an inner surface of theaperture.
 13. The disk drive coupler of claim 12, wherein the channelcomprises a plurality of slots.
 14. The disk drive coupler of claim 11,wherein the channel comprises at least one slot extending along theaperture in a direction that is substantially parallel with a centralaxis of the aperture.
 15. The disk drive coupler of claim 11, whereinthe channel extends in a direction along the plate that is substantiallytransverse to a central axis of the aperture.
 16. The disk drive couplerof claim 11, wherein the channel is configured to permit the drawing ofair to the top surface both during and after the fastener secures theplate to the portion of the disk drive.